Joe Atkinson | Counselling & Psychotherapy

Hello & welcomeI'm Joe Atkinson, a therapist dedicated to offering a unique, integrative approach to therapy that prioritises compassion, emotional validation, and personalised care.My intention isn't to "fix" you – because you're not broken. Instead, I come alongside you, creating a safe space where we can explore your experiences together with curiosity and understanding.

Joe Atkinson

Compassionate Therapy for Growth & Healing

Life can be a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and unexpected events. Perhaps you've found yourself lying awake at night, mind racing with unanswered questions. Or maybe you've noticed a persistent feeling that something's not quite right, even when everything seems fine on the surface.Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, battling anxiety, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, you're not alone. Here, in this safe and nurturing space, we embark on a journey together - a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth.As your guide and companion, I'm here to help you navigate the complexities of your inner world, uncover hidden strengths, and write the next chapter of your life story.

Why choose my approach?

Integrative Methods
Drawing from multiple therapeutic modalities, I tailor our work to your specific needs. This allows us to adapt our approach as we uncover what works best for you.
Compassion-Focused
At the heart of my practice is a deep commitment to fostering self-compassion. By learning to treat ourselves with kindness and understanding, we open doors to profound healing and growth.
Emotion-Honouring
I believe in the power of validating emotional experiences rather than rushing to change them. This approach allows for deeper self-understanding and more sustainable change.

Who Benefits Most from My Approach?

My unique blend of therapies is particularly well-suited for:

  • Individuals who've tried cognitive or talk therapies but felt something was missing

  • Those struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues

  • People navigating life transitions or seeking deeper self-understanding

  • Anyone who feels "stuck" and is ready for a fresh perspective

  • Clients looking for a more emotionally attuned and compassionate therapeutic experience

What You Can Expect in Our Sessions

A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space
Our sessions provide a safe container where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement.
Validation of Your Experiences
I prioritise understanding and validating your unique experiences, helping you feel truly seen and heard.
Tools for Self-Compassion
We’ll explore practical techniques to cultivate self-compassion, enhancing your resilience and emotional well-being.
Collaborative Exploration
We work together to uncover insights and develop strategies that resonate with your personal journey.
Holistic Understanding
By integrating various therapeutic approaches, we address not just symptoms but the whole person.

The Healing Power of Compassion

I believe deeply in the power of kindness and understanding to change lives. We'll look at your experiences with care and compassion. This can help turn painful memories into important parts of your story, rather than things that hold you back. We work on understanding the truth, not casting blame. By being kinder to ourselves, we can make sense of the past, deal better with the present, and feel more hopeful about the future.

Services for Individuals

Online Therapy

In today's fast-paced world, finding time for self-care and personal growth can be challenging. That's why I offer convenient and effective online therapy sessions via Google Meet. From the comfort and privacy of your own space, we can engage in profound, transformative work together.Each session lasts 50 minutes, giving us ample time to explore your experiences, develop coping strategies, and work towards your personal goals.Online therapy offers an accessible and convenient option for those unable to attend in-person sessions or who simply prefer the comfort of their own environment.Online therapy is available at £70 per session.

Solvitur Ambulando (Latin) - 'It is solved by walking'.

Walk and Talk Therapy

Experience the transformative power of nature with our Walk and Talk therapy sessions in the beautiful countryside of Robertsbridge, East Sussex. This innovative approach takes the word out of the traditional therapy room and into the fresh air, combining the benefits of gentle exercise with the therapeutic process.The natural rhythm of walking can help unlock new perspectives, while the changing scenery provides metaphors and inspiration for your personal growth journey.Whether you're feeling stuck, anxious, or simply prefer a more active and nature-connected approach to therapy, our Walk and Talk sessions offer a refreshing alternative.Walk and Talk therapy is available at £70 per session.

Services for Parents & Children

Parent Consultations

As parents, our perception of our children's behaviour shapes our responses and, ultimately, their development.When we feel lost or overwhelmed as parents, it's often because we're not fully seeing or understanding what's happening for our child.When we label children’s behaviour, we tend to approach the child as if they are the label, rather than truly seeing the child and understanding their needs.We might see a child who pushes another child at school as unsocialised, aggressive, naughty, frustrated, or overstimulated. Each perspective leads to a different approach - from teaching social skills to implementing discipline, or from emotional support to environmental adjustments.By considering the child's perspectives, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of their needs, allowing for more effective and nurturing responses.Parent consultations are available at a rate of £70 per session.

In our parent consultation sessions, I'll come alongside you to:

  • Be Curious: Together, we'll approach your child's behaviour with an open mind, setting aside judgments and preconceptions.

  • Unpack: We'll explore the layers beneath the behaviour, considering factors like your child's developmental stage, emotional needs, and environmental influences.

  • Explore: We'll dive deep into your child's world, seeking to understand their perspective, motivations, and challenges.

  • Gain Clarity: Through this process, you'll develop a clearer, more compassionate view of your child and their needs.

  • Empower Your Parenting: With this new understanding, you'll be better equipped to respond in an effective and nurturing way to your child.



Mentoring Sessions

Is your child struggling at home or in school? Are they experiencing stressful or traumatic life events such as the loss of a loved one or divorce? Do you have a nagging feeling that something just isn't quite right for your child at the moment?As a qualified play therapist with extensive experience in attachment-based developmental science, I offer compassionate mentoring services designed to support young people through life's challenges.My approach is to come alongside your child, building rapport and creating a nurturing space where they can feel seen, heard, and understood. Using a blend of play therapy techniques, child-centred psychology, and the principles of Compassionate Inquiry, I provide a safe environment for children to express themselves, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.Mentoring sessions are available at a rate of £50 per session.

Parenting Resources

Are you looking for support in your parenting journey? While my primary focus is on individual therapy, I understand that family dynamics play a crucial role in our overall well-being. I’ve designed free and low cost resources and programs specifically for parents and families over at The Caring Instinct. This platform offers valuable insights and support for navigating the challenges of parenthood and family life.

FAQ's

How is your approach different from traditional therapy?While I incorporate elements of traditional therapies, my approach places a stronger emphasis on emotional validation, self-compassion, and integrative techniques. This allows for a more holistic and personalised therapeutic experience.How long does therapy typically last?The duration of therapy varies for each individual. Some clients find significant benefit in short-term work (8-12 sessions), while others prefer longer-term support. We'll discuss your needs and goals to determine the best approach for you.


Do I have to commit to weekly sessions?I work flexibly with you to provide a personalised therapy schedule. Sessions can be planned weekly, fortnightly, monthly or ad hoc depending on your needs and preferences.Do you offer online sessions?Yes, I provide both in-person and online therapy sessions to accommodate your preferences and needs.What if I'm not sure this approach is right for me?I offer a free discovery call where we can discuss your needs and my approach in more detail. This allows us both to determine if we're a good fit before committing to therapy.

Contact me

Get in touch

You can contact me to request a free discovery call using the contact form here. As soon as I receive your message I'll be in touch to arrange a suitable time and date.If you prefer, you can email me directly: [email protected]

Joe Atkinson

Privacy Notice

© Joe Atkinson 2024. All rights reserved.

Thank you

Your message is very important to me. I check my messages regularly, and I'll be in touch via email very soon.

Mentoring Case Study

How Compassionate Inquiry Helped a Family Rediscover Hope

When Sarah* reached out to me, she was deeply concerned about her 17-year-old son, Tom*. Tom had recently been diagnosed with ADHD and was struggling with severe anxiety that made attending school extremely difficult. Sarah felt that Tom needed expert support beyond what she or the school could provide, especially to help him make sense of his feelings and his new diagnosis.Tom's emotional state was particularly worrying. He had told Sarah he couldn't feel anything anymore, emotionally shutting down. Sarah, aware of the effectiveness of Compassionate Inquiry for people with ADHD, sought a therapist who could work with adolescents using this approach. She wanted someone Tom could trust, open up to, and feel supported by, without judgement.We began weekly online sessions over the summer holidays. Despite the virtual format, I was able to establish a strong, trusting connection with Tom. My calm, easy-going manner, underpinned by knowledge and experience, was exactly what Tom needed to feel comfortable opening up.From the very first session, the impact was evident. Tom, who had been closed off for so long, came home enthusiastic and positive. "It was like some kind of magic!" he told Sarah, laughing. Sarah could see how happy he was to have found understanding and support.The journey wasn't always smooth. Over the next three months, there were ups and downs, as often happens in therapy. But I remained a steady source of support throughout. I kept Sarah informed and reassured, speaking with her on the phone and checking in from time to time, while always respecting Tom's privacy. This approach allowed Sarah to relax and trust the process.As weeks passed, the change in Tom became more pronounced. He began to open up and engage with the world around him. By September, Tom felt able to return to school, a significant milestone in his progress. "The difference in our child compared to just three months ago is huge," Sarah reflected. "I feel like we have our boy back."Tom's own words about our sessions were simple but powerful: "You can talk to Joe about anything and trust him. He's easy to talk to and you learn so much - not just about yourself, but about everything, about the world!"Sarah acknowledged the challenges of parenting a 17-year-old with ADHD, especially while juggling care for other children and elderly parents. She expressed gratitude for finding someone her son could open up to outside the family, and someone he could return to in the future if needed.Through Compassionate Inquiry, families like Sarah and Tom's find more than just therapy – they discover hope, understanding, and a path forward together. As Sarah concluded, "I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Joe to anyone looking for a therapist for their child."Names changed to protect privacy

Qualifications and Experience

My Background

When choosing a therapist, it's important to feel confident in their qualifications and experience. I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to my practice, ensuring that you receive high-quality, professional care.My qualifications

  • BSc in Psychology, University of Reading (2005)

  • PGCert in Addiction Psychology and Counselling, London Southbank University (2008)

  • PGCert in Primary School Teaching, University of Roehampton (2009)

  • Diploma in Play Therapy, Canterbury Christchurch University (2014)

  • Certified Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner (2020)

Addiction CounsellingI began my journey as an addiction counsellor in 2007, working in a homeless hostel with clients facing substance use challenges. This experience provided me with valuable insights into the complexities of addiction and recovery.Education and Child DevelopmentMy transition into education allowed me to work closely with children, gaining a deep understanding of child development and the importance of early intervention. As a qualified play therapist, I've worked in numerous schools across London, supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.Compassionate InquiryIn 2020, I became a Certified Compassionate Inquiry practitioner, trained in the approach developed by renowned physician Dr. Gabor Maté. This method forms a cornerstone of my current practice, allowing me to help clients reveal and transform the unconscious dynamics that underlie many of life's challenges.Areas of ExpertiseThroughout my career, I've worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, addressing a wide range of issues including:

  • Adoption and attachment

  • Substance use and behavioural addictions

  • Anxiety disorders and OCD

  • Depression and mood disorders

  • ADHD, Autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions

  • Stress management

  • Trauma recovery

  • Relationship issues

  • Life transitions and personal growth

Continuing Professional DevelopmentI am committed to ongoing learning and professional development. I regularly attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to stay current with the latest developments in therapeutic practices. This commitment ensures that my clients benefit from the most up-to-date and effective treatment approaches.Professional MembershipsI am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical guidelines, ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct in my practice.Why My Background Matters to YouMy diverse educational background and extensive experience allow me to bring a unique, integrative approach to our work together. By combining insights from psychology, addiction counselling, play therapy, and Compassionate Inquiry, I can offer a holistic perspective on your challenges and growth opportunities.My experience working with children and families also informs my adult therapy work, providing valuable insights into early experiences and their impact on adult life. This comprehensive understanding allows me to tailor our sessions to your specific needs, drawing from a wide range of therapeutic tools and techniques.Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and I encourage you to ask any questions you may have about my background or approach. I'm here to support you on your journey to healing and growth, and I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Privacy Notice

Joseph Atkinson customer privacy noticeThis privacy notice tells you what to expect us to do with your personal information.Contact details
What information we collect, use, and why
Lawful bases and data protection rights
Where we get personal information from
How long we keep information
How to complain
Contact detailsTelephone
07553028091
Email
[email protected]
What information we collect, use, and whyWe collect or use the following information to provide patient care, services, pharmaceutical products and other goods:

  • Name, address and contact details

  • Gender

  • Pronoun preferences

  • Date of birth

  • Next of Kin details including any support networks

  • Emergency contact details

  • Health information (including medical conditions, allergies, medical requirements and medical history)

  • Information about care needs (including disabilities, home conditions, medication and dietary requirements and general care provisions)

  • Test results (including psychological evaluations, scans, bloods, x-rays, tissue tests and genetic tests)

  • Insurance policy details

  • Records of meetings and decisions

  • Health information

Lawful bases and data protection rightsUnder UK data protection law, we must have a “lawful basis” for collecting and using your personal information. There is a list of possible lawful bases in the UK GDPR. You can find out more about lawful bases on the ICO’s website.Which lawful basis we rely on may affect your data protection rights which are in brief set out below. You can find out more about your data protection rights and the exemptions which may apply on the ICO’s website:

If you make a request, we must respond to you without undue delay and in any event within one month.To make a data protection rights request, please contact us using the contact details at the top of this privacy notice.Our lawful bases for the collection and use of your dataOur lawful bases for collecting or using personal information to provide patient care, services, pharmaceutical products and other goods are:

  • Consent - we have permission from you after we gave you all the relevant information. All of your data protection rights may apply, except the right to object. To be clear, you do have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.

Where we get personal information from

  • Directly from you

  • Family members or carers

  • Other health and care providers

  • Charities or voluntary sector organisations

  • Schools, colleges, universities or other education organisations

  • Insurance companies

How long we keep informationWe retain your details on file for 7 years before they are erased in line with BACP guidelines.Duty of confidentialityWe are subject to a common law duty of confidentiality. However, there are circumstances where we will share relevant health and care information. These are where:

  • you’ve provided us with your consent (we have taken it as implied to provide you with care, or you have given it explicitly for other uses);

  • we have a legal requirement (including court orders) to collect, share or use the data;

  • on a case-by-case basis, the public interest to collect, share and use the data overrides the public interest served by protecting the duty of confidentiality (for example sharing information with the police to support the detection or prevention of serious crime);

  • If in England or Wales – the requirements of The Health Service (Control of Patient Information) Regulations 2002 are satisfied; or

  • If in Scotland – we have the authority to share provided by the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, the Chief Executive of NHS Scotland, the Public Benefit and Privacy Panel for Health and Social Care or other similar governance and scrutiny process.

How to complainIf you have any concerns about our use of your personal data, you can make a complaint to us using the contact details at the top of this privacy notice.If you remain unhappy with how we’ve used your data after raising a complaint with us, you can also complain to the ICO.The ICO’s address:Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Helpline number: 0303 123 1113Website: https://www.ico.org.uk/make-a-complaintLast updated23 October 2024